Lot Grading
Depending on your project, a Lot Grading Certificate or a Lot Grading Review may be required. Lot grading ensures that the land around your property is properly shaped to direct surface water away from buildings and toward approved drainage systems. This helps prevent flooding, erosion, and damage to neighbouring properties. A Lot Grading Certificate confirms that the grading on a property meets approved plans, while a Lot Grading Review verifies compliance during and after construction.
On this page:
Lot Grading Certificate
A Lot Grading Certification confirms that your property’s grading meets approved plans and directs water away from buildings and toward proper drainage systems. You will need one when:
- Building a new house
- Severing a lot for a new house
- Demolishing an old house to build a new one
Note: If you’ve recently purchased a new home in a subdivision, the Lot Grading Certification may not be complete by the time you move in.
You will also need this certification before starting new construction projects such as:
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Adding an Additional Residential Unit (ARU)
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Installing a pool
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Building sheds, garages, additions, decks, or patios
Tip: Your builder will usually apply for the Lot Grading Certification and work with the County of Brant on your behalf. Check with your builder for updates, and avoid starting any new construction until the certification process is complete.
For Homeowners – Avoid Costly Mistakes
Wait until your certification is complete before:
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Building fences
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Landscaping
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Pouring walkways, building accessory structures, or paving driveways
Other key requirements:
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Keep at least 0.45 metres of clear space from any drainage feature (swale, ditch, drain)
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Never build over drainage features
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Ensure grass or new seeding is evenly grown across the lot
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Direct downspouts and sump pumps to a hard surface (e.g., splash pad or driveway)
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Install driveways correctly and keep them in good condition
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Keep all drainage features clear and working properly
Inspections
Once a Lot Grading Certification request is submitted, County staff can inspect any property within the County that is not yet certified.
Lot Grading Review
A Lot Grading and Drainage Plan shows how the land around your property will be shaped to:
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Prevent water from pooling near buildings
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Direct water away from structures toward approved drainage systems
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Avoid changing natural drainage patterns in a way that harms neighbouring properties
Before you can apply for a Building Permit, your site or grading plan must be reviewed and approved by Lot Grading staff. This ensures drainage is properly managed on your property and will not create problems for surrounding lots.
Submit your site/grading plan to grading@brant.ca for review
View the Lot Grading and Drainage Plan Guidelines (PDF)
A Lot Grading Review fee is required as part of the approval process. This fee covers the County’s review of your site or grading plan to ensure drainage is properly designed and will not cause issues for your property or neighbouring lots. Payment must be made before the review can begin.
Contact
Reach out to your builder to inquire about the status of your home's Lot Grading Certification or more information on locating drainage features on your property.
Contact the County of Brant: